On Thursday, the window for application of the franchise tag slid open. In two weeks, it'll slam shut. In the interim, teams have the ability to apply the franchise tag to one player who otherwise would be an unrestricted free agent.

So let's take a look at 10 players who might, or might not, end up wearing the franchise tag at some point between now and Feb. 25.

1. Julius Peppers, Panthers defensive end

The Panthers haven't spoken to Peppers about signing a long-term deal, but they don't need to do so if they plan to use the franchise tag on him for a second straight season.

As I wrote last night at PFT, the Panthers currently do not plan to do so. Even in an uncapped year, $21.8 million for 16 regular-season games is a price too high to pay for a player who isn't, hasn't been, and will never be as good as Reggie White.

Even the transition tag isn't a viable option for Peppers, since in Peppers' case the Panthers would still be required to give him a one-year, $21.8 million contract, the value of which would become fully guaranteed the moment Julius puts his John Hancock at the bottom of the page.

2. Vince Wilfork, Patriots defensive tackle

In 2004, Wilfork signed a six-year rookie contract with the Patriots. Now, the contract has expired and Wilfork doesn't want the team to use the franchise tag to keep him from hitting the open market.

What he wants and what he gets could be two very different things. Indeed, teams have the right to use the franchise tag, and few of the players who ever have been on the wrong side of the restriction ever regarded it as something desirable to have. Though it pays a player handsomely for one season, it keeps him from striking it rich via a long-term deal with an eight-figure signing bonus.

In Wilfork's case, it's possible a long-term deal will be reached before the last day for using the tag. If it isn't, Wilfork can huff and puff all he wants, but he won't be able to keep the team from doing that which the current labor deal allows it to do.

3. Casey Hampton, Steelers nose tackle

Another guy who wants no part of the franchise tag is Hampton, a nine-year veteran who has nearly eaten his way out of the league on multiple occasions.

But he's a rare commodity — a large man (6-1, 325) who's also strong and athletic, and he fills an important role in a 3-4 defense.

For that very reason, the Steelers can't afford to lose him, even if it means using the franchise tag to keep him in place, against his wishes.

4. Aubrayo Franklin, 49ers nose tackle

Though not as well known as Wilfork or Hampton, Franklin has been every bit as effective lately, and he arguably would be the most hotly pursued of the trio if they each were to hit the open market.

But Franklin won't. And Franklin has yet to complain about the $7 million one-year salary that goes along with it.

Though it remains to be seen whether the 49ers will ink Franklin to a long-term deal, Franklin apparently will be a member of the team, at least for 2010.

5. Chester Taylor, Vikings running back

Adrian Peterson remains the top tailback in Minnesota, but Chester Taylor more than capably handles third-down duties. He also provides a nice change of pace, especially when Peterson is working through his periodic problems with securing the ball.

But the Vikings need to ask themselves whether it makes sense to pay Taylor more than $8 million for one season when they could draft a guy in the middle rounds who might be able to move the chains.

Then there's the possibility of using Percy Harvin in the backfield, or finding on the open market a more affordable alternative.

But Taylor remains the best option, and the question is whether the Vikings are willing to pay him accordingly.

6. Shayne Graham, Bengals kicker

The notoriously cheap Bengals could have used the franchise tag in 2009 on Graham, a kicker, or on T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a receiver.

Not surprisingly, they picked the kicker, who received millions less under the one-year franchise tender.

Now, the Bengals have to decide in the wake of Graham's rough day in the wild-card round against the Jets whether to give him a 20-percent raise under the franchise tag, sign him to a long-term deal, or let him walk.

Given that their decision to dump five-year punter Kyle Larson for fifth-round draft pick Kevin Huber worked out fairly well, don't be surprised if the Bengals decide to find a much cheaper alternative at an equally fungible position.

7. Karlos Dansby, Cardinals linebacker

The Cardinals like Dansby. They liked him enough in 2008 to use the franchise tag to keep him with the team. They liked him enough in 2009 to use it again. But they probably don't like him enough to use it a third time.

Under the labor agreement between the NFL and the players union, the third time for the franchise tag is a major charm for the player. The tender increases from the average salary paid in the prior year to the five highest-paid players at the same position to the average salary paid in the prior year to the five highest-paid players in the entire league.

The Cardinals won't pay Dansby like a quarterback. So either they'll do a long-term deal with him, or he'll hit the open market in the uncapped year.

Most likely, it'll be the latter.

8. Dunta Robinson, Texans cornerback

Robinson wasn't thrilled with the team's decision to use the franchise tag on him in 2009, and he likely won't be happy if he's tagged for a second straight season.

But the Texans didn't waver last season, and they likely won't budge this year.

He voiced his displeasure in 2009 by writing "pay me, Rick" on his cleats, a message to general manager Rick Smith. The team undoubtedly will be paying him again, but not nearly as much as he'd like to receive.

9. Darren Sproles, Chargers running back

With LaDainian Tomlinson all but gone, the Chargers need to keep Sproles around. The question is whether the Chargers want to pay Sproles a year at a time, or whether they're willing to give him a long-term deal.

If they choose to stick Sproles with a second franchise tag, they'll face the same problem in 2011 that the Cardinals face now — if there's a new CBA in 2011 and if it contains the same provision requiring the player to receive quarterback money in year three.

Still, the Chargers can't let Sproles walk away. Whether he'll be operating under a one-year arrangement or something more, he'll be a Charger in 2010.

10. Bo Scaife, Titans tight end

The Titans paid Scaife $4.462 million last year under the franchise tag. It would cost $5.35 million to use it again.

That's a lot to pay for a guy who caught 45 passes for 440 yards and one touchdown.

With Jared Cook on the roster, it's likely the Titans will opt not to pay the money. Indeed, Scaife signed his 2009 franchise tender only days after Cook was drafted.

So it would be a surprise if the Titans use it again.

Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and is a regular contributor to Sporting News.

ForeverChiefs58

02-12-2010, 10:28 AM

A little surprised Miles Austin didn't make this list

ForeverChiefs58

02-12-2010, 10:36 AM

How is richard seymour not on the list?

OnTheWarpath58

02-12-2010, 10:43 AM

A little surprised Miles Austin didn't make this list

He's restricted. Dallas controls his rights already, it would be stupid to waste a tag on him.

ForeverChiefs58

02-12-2010, 11:05 AM

He's restricted. Dallas controls his rights already, it would be stupid to waste a tag on him.

oh, I didn't realize he was. Well then, good thing he was not on the list.

Von Dumbass

02-12-2010, 11:14 AM

I don't remember Denver ever using the franchise tag. If Denver ever does I think this will be the year with Dumervil, Marshall, and Chris Kuper all being FA's.

Mr. Laz

02-12-2010, 11:33 AM

4. Aubrayo Franklin, 49ers nose tackle

Though not as well known as Wilfork or Hampton, Franklin has been every bit as effective lately, and he arguably would be the most hotly pursued of the trio if they each were to hit the open market.

But Franklin won't. And Franklin has yet to complain about the $7 million one-year salary that goes along with it.

Though it remains to be seen whether the 49ers will ink Franklin to a long-term deal, Franklin apparently will be a member of the team, at least for 2010.
:cuss:

ForeverChiefs58

02-12-2010, 02:11 PM

The Chiefs need to get 3 out of that 10.

Billay

02-12-2010, 02:12 PM

Dansby is the best player on that list.

ForeverChiefs58

02-12-2010, 02:20 PM

Peppers, Wilfork, and Dansby for the trifecta and the win.

Von Dumbass

02-15-2010, 03:16 PM

Wilfork is going to be tagged per Schefter.

Halfcan

02-15-2010, 03:53 PM

Peppers, Wilfork, and Dansby for the trifecta and the win.

At almost 22 million-there is no way in Hell Clark spends that.

Consistent1

02-15-2010, 03:56 PM

At almost 22 million-there is no way in Hell Clark spends that.

At even near that price I don't think anyone should. Hell, Peppers could come in and get 17 sacks. I could also see him coming to the Chiefs and getting 5-6 sacks and not making much impact at all.

ForeverChiefs58

02-15-2010, 04:05 PM

At almost 22 million-there is no way in Hell Clark spends that.

uh, he is not going to get that per year with a long term contract, that is only for franchise tags and doesn't represent what his annual salary would be. And yes, clark will get him!

Wilson8

02-15-2010, 04:08 PM

Franchise tag for Aubrayo Franklin

Posted by Mike Florio on February 15, 2010 4:17 PM ET

As expected, the San Francisco 49ers will use the franchise tag on nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the move is coming; the deadline is February 25. Per Schefter, the Niners are expected to work toward signing Franklin to another long-term deal.

He arrived in San Fran from Baltimore via free agency in 2007, reuniting with former 49ers coach Mike Nolan, who previously coordinated the Ravens' defense. Franklin has developed into one of the best defensive tackles in the game, and the market for his services would be much greater this time around.

As Schefter points out, Franklin is one of three nose tackles who are expected to be slapped with the franchise tag -- the others are Vince Wilfork of the Patriots and Casey Hampton of the Steelers.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

ForeverChiefs58

02-15-2010, 04:15 PM

If a team thinks Cody/ or any other NT could be as good a NT as these four (richard seymour, not sure why he is left out) then he should be our target in the draft. That is why they all get tagged because they are too valuable to the 3-4. We need that in this draft if our defense is to get better.

Wilson8

02-15-2010, 04:39 PM

9. Darren Sproles, Chargers running back Also a RFA in the uncapped year. He will be an expensive one though (over $7 million) since they used the tag on him last year. I think both Sproles and Tomlinson will become free agents and San Diego will be looking for new RBs.

Wilson8

02-15-2010, 04:56 PM

How is richard seymour not on the list?

He should be on the list. Oakland gave up their 1st round pick for 2011 for him. They cannot just let him walk away after 1 year. Raiders will try to work out a contract with him which will have to be a high dollar one. I think the Franchise Tag will have to be used on Richard.

Halfcan

02-15-2010, 04:57 PM

uh, he is not going to get that per year with a long term contract, that is only for franchise tags and doesn't represent what his annual salary would be. And yes, clark will get him!

ROFL Clark (we will build through the draft) Hunt??

Wilson8

02-15-2010, 05:12 PM

I don't remember Denver ever using the franchise tag. If Denver ever does I think this will be the year with Dumervil, Marshall, and Chris Kuper all being FA's.

All 3 of those players are RFAs. They don't need to use the tag on them. If the NFL gets a new CBA, Denver might have to do something. The odds of that happening this year is not very good.

chiefzilla1501

02-15-2010, 05:31 PM

I have a feeling New England would be willing to part with Wilfork for the right price, below the franchise tag value.